An advert for the video game Call Of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 has been banned from daytime screening because of its scenes of violence and destruction, a watchdog has ruled.

Scenes in the television advert for the game include buildings exploding and catching fire, armed men firing at a lorry until it crashes and a helicopter firing rockets.

An television advert for Modern Warfare 3 has been banned from daytime screening. Credit: Tim Ireland/PA Wire

Two viewers complained that the advert was inappropriate for broadcast during the day when children would be watching. One of them reported that their children aged between two and four had been frightened by the advert.

The game broke records on its launch in November with sales of more than 6.5 million copies in the UK and the US within 24 hours alone.

It has been awarded an 18 certificate from the BBFC due to its graphic violence and real-world settings.